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The Prince
"It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both."
Experience Niccolò Machiavelli's complete masterpiece The Prince in this unique blending of European and Korean sensibilities. Created by celebrated writer Morim Kang, this volume features over 200 pages of beautifully illustrated comics alongside Machiavelli's masterful blueprint to destroy one's enemies. After the Medici dynasty of Florence forced Niccolò Machiavelli from office, the impoverished man sought to win back their favor by writing for them the perfect instruction manual to seize and hold political power. Together, Machiavelli and Morim Kang have written a volume for you! Never before has learning to be ruthless been more fun and easy!
Experience Niccolò Machiavelli's complete masterpiece The Prince in this unique blending of European and Korean sensibilities. Created by celebrated writer Morim Kang, this volume features over 200 pages of beautifully illustrated comics alongside Machiavelli's masterful blueprint to destroy one's enemies. After the Medici dynasty of Florence forced Niccolò Machiavelli from office, the impoverished man sought to win back their favor by writing for them the perfect instruction manual to seize and hold political power. Together, Machiavelli and Morim Kang have written a volume for you! Never before has learning to be ruthless been more fun and easy!
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 11, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 13, 2015
Read all my reviews on http://urlphantomhive.booklikes.com
This one was really weird. So weird in fact that I stopped after a chapter to first read the original version this book was based on. (You can find my review for Machiavelli's The Prince here )
After reading the original I came back to this story and although I understood it better now, it still wasn't working for me. Let me explain. The book is basically two parts mixed together. The first part is an English translation of the original book, not unlike the Gutenborg version I read. This story is then intertwined with comics that explain what's being told in the previous chapter as well as some information to understand the historical/political setting of 15th century Europe better.
If I recall correctly this book was first published in Korea, and I think it would work better there as an introduction into European history/politics. What I know of 'modern takes' from Asia on the Western History (aka Hetalia) was indeed not unlike this book. But it's not something I'm accustomed to, so it wasn't really working for me. There were some strange anachronisms and a recurring cat dressed in renaissance clothing. The drawings looked a bit simple to me.
I'd expected something more like the Manga Classics I've been reading last year, but it was nothing like that. They stay very close to the original story, and although this book actually has the original text in it, it feels much like it diverges a lot more. This certainly was a weird and unusual read.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This one was really weird. So weird in fact that I stopped after a chapter to first read the original version this book was based on. (You can find my review for Machiavelli's The Prince here )
After reading the original I came back to this story and although I understood it better now, it still wasn't working for me. Let me explain. The book is basically two parts mixed together. The first part is an English translation of the original book, not unlike the Gutenborg version I read. This story is then intertwined with comics that explain what's being told in the previous chapter as well as some information to understand the historical/political setting of 15th century Europe better.
If I recall correctly this book was first published in Korea, and I think it would work better there as an introduction into European history/politics. What I know of 'modern takes' from Asia on the Western History (aka Hetalia) was indeed not unlike this book. But it's not something I'm accustomed to, so it wasn't really working for me. There were some strange anachronisms and a recurring cat dressed in renaissance clothing. The drawings looked a bit simple to me.
I'd expected something more like the Manga Classics I've been reading last year, but it was nothing like that. They stay very close to the original story, and although this book actually has the original text in it, it feels much like it diverges a lot more. This certainly was a weird and unusual read.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
April 12, 2017
I got this book as a gift, and I have to be honest... I haven't read The Prince nor I have much understanding in politics or the history of ancient govermet.
I'm not sure if reading this book as a comic was a good idea without a good background or knowledge... but it had a pink cat drawn in the backcover and I love cats... I know it's dumb reason, but again... I'm trying to be honest.
Anyway, at the end of this book (which took a long time compared to other graphic novels I read) I can see that it is a good idea, Morim Kang does not alter or reduce the paragraphs of the original book ... just summarize the chapter with a comic strip, trying to make it simpler ... and it helps, at least it helped me.
._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.
Obtuve este libro como un regalo, y tengo que ser honesta... No he leído El Príncipe ni tengo mucho entendimiento sobre la política o la historia del antiguo gobierno.
No estoy seguro de si la lectura de este libro como un cómic era una buena idea sin un buen fondo o conocimiento del tema... pero tenía un gato rosa dibujado en la contraportada y me encantan los gatos... Sé que es una razón tonta, pero de nuevo, estoy tratando de ser honesta.
De cualquier forma, al terminar este libro (que me tomó mucho tiempo en comparación con otras novelas gráficas que he leído) puedo ver que es una buena idea, Morim Kang no altera o reduce los párrafos del libro original... sólo resume el capítulo con una tira cómica, tratando de hacerlo más simple... y ayuda, al menos a mi me ayudó.
I'm not sure if reading this book as a comic was a good idea without a good background or knowledge... but it had a pink cat drawn in the backcover and I love cats... I know it's dumb reason, but again... I'm trying to be honest.
Anyway, at the end of this book (which took a long time compared to other graphic novels I read) I can see that it is a good idea, Morim Kang does not alter or reduce the paragraphs of the original book ... just summarize the chapter with a comic strip, trying to make it simpler ... and it helps, at least it helped me.
._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.
Obtuve este libro como un regalo, y tengo que ser honesta... No he leído El Príncipe ni tengo mucho entendimiento sobre la política o la historia del antiguo gobierno.
No estoy seguro de si la lectura de este libro como un cómic era una buena idea sin un buen fondo o conocimiento del tema... pero tenía un gato rosa dibujado en la contraportada y me encantan los gatos... Sé que es una razón tonta, pero de nuevo, estoy tratando de ser honesta.
De cualquier forma, al terminar este libro (que me tomó mucho tiempo en comparación con otras novelas gráficas que he leído) puedo ver que es una buena idea, Morim Kang no altera o reduce los párrafos del libro original... sólo resume el capítulo con una tira cómica, tratando de hacerlo más simple... y ayuda, al menos a mi me ayudó.
October 13, 2020
The text of the original classic with artwork in graphic novel form to illustrate the historical examples used by Machiavelli in his discussion of states craft. Kang’s illustrations and commentary humanize the Prince. The reader gets a feel for the historic examples and we are introduced to Machiavelli himself as a person who served as an adviser in Florence, and one who fell in and out of favor, much like anyone who has worked in government. In this instance, the Prince is kind of like one of those books written by a recently fired or retired government official, but with an academic and pedagogical feeling, since it was a gift to a current prince, instead of being one if today’s “tell alls.”
A very worthwhile book.
A very worthwhile book.
Want to read
April 16, 2021Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
May 27, 2015
Read full review at: http://thereadingarmchair.blogspot.gr...
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
The Prince by Machiavelli is a classic non-fiction book, a political discourse about how a prince should rule, what traits he should possess and how to eliminate his enemies. It's only natural that when I saw this edition I couldn't wait to find out how a book without an actual story would turn into a comic. The result proved to be quite interesting.
First of all, I have to admit that I hadn't read The Prince before. I was aware though, about its theme and Machiavelli's ideas and suggestions. I wasn't also interested in reading a book on political science, at least for the time being. If I did, I think I would prefer to read The Art of War, which is more about war and less about ruling. But, eventually I'm very glad that I read Machiavelli's work, I found it enlightening.
To say that Machiavelli's opinions are cruel would be an understatement. Phrases like Of course, no animal is easier to manipulate than a human being desperate to protect his own interests and If necessary, you must crush a conquered people, so they won't even dream of exacting revenge are just mere examples as to what the author suggests that a prince should follow in order to establish his authority. It's essential, in order to maintain the position in power, to use every available means. But he condemns those who rise with unnecessary violence and wickedness, giving the example of Agathocles the Sicilian, stating that the subjects of such obtained principality will not follow the prince.
This edition wasn't a pure graphic novel, as I was expecting. It consists of The Prince, the actual text, and every chapter is followed by some pages with comics, which illustrate mostly the examples given by Machiavelli in each chapter. In this way, I had a very thorough history lesson, learning everything about the Medici family, France's and Aragon's claims on various Italian cities at the time. The illustrations helped me understand better the examples, but sometimes I felt that it was unnecessary and I was anxious to read more of the text. The art style seemed a little odd to me. Each figure was recognisable, which was a very nice thing, but in general it wasn't what I would prefer.
I enjoyed this edition of The Prince more than I expected. Machiavelli's ideas, although they were fierce, they were very intriguing. I would call this more an educational read than anything else and I would recommend it to those who don't mind something more challenging, like a discourse on politics.
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
The Prince by Machiavelli is a classic non-fiction book, a political discourse about how a prince should rule, what traits he should possess and how to eliminate his enemies. It's only natural that when I saw this edition I couldn't wait to find out how a book without an actual story would turn into a comic. The result proved to be quite interesting.
First of all, I have to admit that I hadn't read The Prince before. I was aware though, about its theme and Machiavelli's ideas and suggestions. I wasn't also interested in reading a book on political science, at least for the time being. If I did, I think I would prefer to read The Art of War, which is more about war and less about ruling. But, eventually I'm very glad that I read Machiavelli's work, I found it enlightening.
To say that Machiavelli's opinions are cruel would be an understatement. Phrases like Of course, no animal is easier to manipulate than a human being desperate to protect his own interests and If necessary, you must crush a conquered people, so they won't even dream of exacting revenge are just mere examples as to what the author suggests that a prince should follow in order to establish his authority. It's essential, in order to maintain the position in power, to use every available means. But he condemns those who rise with unnecessary violence and wickedness, giving the example of Agathocles the Sicilian, stating that the subjects of such obtained principality will not follow the prince.
This edition wasn't a pure graphic novel, as I was expecting. It consists of The Prince, the actual text, and every chapter is followed by some pages with comics, which illustrate mostly the examples given by Machiavelli in each chapter. In this way, I had a very thorough history lesson, learning everything about the Medici family, France's and Aragon's claims on various Italian cities at the time. The illustrations helped me understand better the examples, but sometimes I felt that it was unnecessary and I was anxious to read more of the text. The art style seemed a little odd to me. Each figure was recognisable, which was a very nice thing, but in general it wasn't what I would prefer.
I enjoyed this edition of The Prince more than I expected. Machiavelli's ideas, although they were fierce, they were very intriguing. I would call this more an educational read than anything else and I would recommend it to those who don't mind something more challenging, like a discourse on politics.
January 24, 2016
'The Prince' by Niccolo Machiavelli with illustrations by Morim Kang takes the classic work and makes it a kind of annotated version. I've tried to read this classic before, but with this version, I finally finished it.
It's a classic about ruling and politics. There is a lot of reference to history and that is where Morim Kang comes in. After each chapter there is a graphic novel summary of the events that Machiavelli talks about. The art isn't the best, but it works and even adds a little humor in, such as every time someone ends up getting assassinated. This book covers a broad range of history, so there are Greeks and Romans and lots of Italians running through the pages. Alexander the Great, the Medicis and the Caesars are among the many people but there are other royalty and popes. They all show the machinations that rulers make behind the scenes.
The art style is simple, but it gives the work a sort of medieval two dimensional look which fits with the book. I appreciated the chance to finally read this and to have additional material that helped the book make more sense to me.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Diamond Book Distributors, NETCOMICS, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
It's a classic about ruling and politics. There is a lot of reference to history and that is where Morim Kang comes in. After each chapter there is a graphic novel summary of the events that Machiavelli talks about. The art isn't the best, but it works and even adds a little humor in, such as every time someone ends up getting assassinated. This book covers a broad range of history, so there are Greeks and Romans and lots of Italians running through the pages. Alexander the Great, the Medicis and the Caesars are among the many people but there are other royalty and popes. They all show the machinations that rulers make behind the scenes.
The art style is simple, but it gives the work a sort of medieval two dimensional look which fits with the book. I appreciated the chance to finally read this and to have additional material that helped the book make more sense to me.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Diamond Book Distributors, NETCOMICS, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
June 18, 2015
I had often heard of Machiavelli's book The Prince but never had a desire to read it. When I had an opportunity to read it in graphic novel form, I jumped at it.
This is a hard book to review which is why it gets 3 stars. I want to start out by saying I appreciate Morim Kang's work. The book is well put together. The graphics are colorful and easy to look at. The style would appeal to all ages.
However, The Prince is horribly boring. I couldn't read it all. There are things about it that would have been interesting if I was younger and probably things I find interesting now if I could convince myself to read more of the book. If you like history, especially politics, this is the book for you. I would think it would make for a fun evening chapter book (if you wanted to drag it out). I love the perspective of history especially since some of the events were close to Machiavelli's time. I just wish it wasn't so long and dry but that's historical novels for you.
This is a hard book to review which is why it gets 3 stars. I want to start out by saying I appreciate Morim Kang's work. The book is well put together. The graphics are colorful and easy to look at. The style would appeal to all ages.
However, The Prince is horribly boring. I couldn't read it all. There are things about it that would have been interesting if I was younger and probably things I find interesting now if I could convince myself to read more of the book. If you like history, especially politics, this is the book for you. I would think it would make for a fun evening chapter book (if you wanted to drag it out). I love the perspective of history especially since some of the events were close to Machiavelli's time. I just wish it wasn't so long and dry but that's historical novels for you.
June 21, 2015
What turns out to be a brave failure, the idea to make a manga-styled juvenile adaptation of Machiavelli. I say manga, even when the illustration is very much more clear line, but it has the trappings of warping faces to shrink levels of detail, and the typical smaller, un-bubbled speech to mimic muttering, asides, etc. The problems are many, still – the original text, which will it appears never be translated very well, and always comes across as dry, formal and boring (and yes, I have read a full version); and the pusillanimous, heavily abbreviated and yet still incomprehensible mediaeval history. Is the audience really supposed to be on side with something that edits the original text, and adds context in such a convoluted way – and if they ARE intelligent for that, whence the need for mobile phones? A book then with some ideas, but clearly in need of an alien life force to be its readership.
April 29, 2015
From Netgalley in exchange for review:
Sadly this just did not work for me, I love The Prince, it is an excellent book, especially if you are a fan of political intrigue, but the art just was not to my liking. Since I was reading this version mostly for the art, I was sad that it was not a style I like.
Sadly this just did not work for me, I love The Prince, it is an excellent book, especially if you are a fan of political intrigue, but the art just was not to my liking. Since I was reading this version mostly for the art, I was sad that it was not a style I like.
June 30, 2010
Dokebi Bride is really very good when it concentrates on narrative, and i loved this volume. a shame there's no more for the time being, and possibly ever. (this is when being a manga/manhwa addicts sucks.)
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews